The Iowa Hawkeyes are believed to have found their “next Caitlin Clark” following the guard’s recent step up to the pros.
Clark has been drafted by the Indiana Fever, having opted to forego her final year of eligibility in favor of a move to the WNBA. While the Hawkeyes will regret the loss, they have landed a payer believed to be just as effective.
Lucy Olsen has opted to transfer from Villanova to Iowa ahead of next season, announcing as much on Twitter/X this week in a post captioned “New beginnings.”
Clark seemed excited about the move, giving her approval via said platform.
Olsen was the NCAA’s third-leading scorer last term, behind Clark and JuJu Watkins, averaging 23.3 points per game. She also led Villanova in assists, steals, and minutes played. She was named the Big East’s Most Improved Player and was a unanimous All-Big East first-team selection, also averaging 4.8 rebounds and 3.8 assists as the Wildcats to a 22-13 record.
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The 5ft-9 guard started 105 games in three seasons for Villanova, hitting 134 threes, 55 of which were scored last season.
Caitlin Clark’s Departure Leaves A Huge Hole
Caitlin Clark, drafted at No. 1 overall, has left an Iowa program with ambitions of returning to the national title game for a third consecutive season, with a huge hole to fill. The team has also lost Kate Martin, who was the No. 18 overall pick of the recent WNBA Draft. Gabbie Marshall and Molly Davis have also graduated.
Olsen’s arrival is expected to soften the blow. Her time at Villanova saw her reach the Sweet 16 during her sophomore year, with the Wildcats losing in the second round when she was a freshman.
While they did not qualify for the NCAA Tournament this year, Villanova made it to the Women’s Basketball Invitation Tournament finals, where they lost to Illinois.
